How Nigeria is expanding HIV prevention in the country

Nigeria has intensified its campaign to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030, marking a new phase in its fight for HIV prevention in the country. For years, prevention efforts largely relied on daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but the recent introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP promises to revolutionize access and compliance. This innovative approach offers new hope for closing prevention gaps and advancing both national and global HIV elimination goals.

With funding from the Global Fund and technical guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), HIV service implementers, and representatives of communities living with or at risk of HIV, carried out a detailed PrEP landscape and readiness assessment. The study, which covered more than 70 public health facilities across ten states, evaluated Nigeria’s preparedness for multiple PrEP delivery models. It examined existing service platforms, workforce capacity, and infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition toward adopting new prevention technologies.

According to Dr. Bashorun, the Coordinator of NASCP, the findings from this assessment will be instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s next steps in HIV prevention. “Our goal is to make sure HIV prevention strategies are inclusive and effective for all populations. Integrating injectable PrEP into existing health services will help us expand choice and improve access,” he said.

Expanding Options and Overcoming Barriers

Since 2016, oral PrEP has been a cornerstone of HIV prevention in Nigeria. However, challenges such as pill fatigue, social stigma, inconsistent supply, and limited public awareness have slowed its uptake. These barriers often discourage those at high risk from maintaining consistent protection.

The new long-acting injectable PrEP formulations, which can last two or six months depending on the product, present a significant breakthrough. They provide a more discreet and convenient option for individuals who struggle with daily pill-taking routines. By reducing the frequency of doses, injectable PrEP also addresses adherence concerns and increases the likelihood of consistent protection.

Effiong, a 52-year-old man from Ugep, Cross River State, shared his perspective: “My partner is HIV-positive, and I’m not. Taking pills every day can be difficult. If an injection can give me months of protection, I’d definitely prefer it.”

For Hauwa, a 28-year-old from Gombe, the new option means empowerment and safety. “My job puts me at constant risk of HIV. If injectable PrEP is available, I’ll take it. It’s easier and gives me confidence,” she said.

WHO recommends that HIV prevention services provide a range of PrEP options suited to individual preferences and lifestyles. Studies have shown that long-acting injectable PrEP offers a highly effective alternative, especially for those who find daily adherence challenging. This development represents a critical step toward inclusive, client-centered HIV prevention.

Strengthening Health Systems for Rollout

The WHO-supported assessment focused on evaluating essential service components, including logistics, data systems, supply chain structures, and staff readiness. The results are expected to guide a phased rollout strategy for injectable PrEP across public health facilities in Nigeria.

Key areas identified for improvement include:

• Addressing barriers that limit equitable PrEP access.
• Strengthening capacity for supply and distribution management.
• Enhancing integration of PrEP within broader sexual and reproductive health platforms.

Currently, Nigeria’s PrEP programme primarily targets individuals at high risk of HIV infection, such as:

• Partners in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is negative).
• Individuals recently diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections or those with multiple sexual partners.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women at elevated risk of HIV, to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
• Vulnerable populations, including sex workers and men who have sex with men.

Embedding PrEP delivery into existing service points such as antenatal care, family planning clinics, and community outreach programmes remains a key strategy. This approach ensures convenience and familiarity for clients while strengthening continuity of care.

Dr. Bashorun emphasized that accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of Nigeria’s prevention framework. “Our mission is to provide client-centered, stigma-free services that meet the needs of all individuals. Injectable PrEP gives us a powerful new tool to close the prevention gap and move closer to our 2030 target,” he stated.

WHO’s Role and the Path Forward

The World Health Organization continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s HIV response by offering technical expertise, training, and policy support. WHO collaborates with national health authorities to integrate PrEP into broader sexual and reproductive health services, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.

Dr. Oluwafunke Odunlade, WHO’s Technical Officer for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of system integration. “Embedding PrEP into existing health service structures, such as maternal health and reproductive clinics, is vital for long-term success,” she explained. “When prevention is part of the care people already receive, it reduces stigma, strengthens health systems, and reaches those most in need.”

Nigeria’s progress in HIV prevention reflects strong political will, effective partnerships, and community engagement. With the support of WHO and the Global Fund, the country is building the infrastructure needed to make long-acting injectable PrEP accessible and sustainable.

As the world strives to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, Nigeria’s proactive adoption of innovative prevention strategies marks a significant step forward. The rollout of injectable PrEP not only enhances individual choice but also represents a broader shift toward equitable and inclusive healthcare.

By strengthening delivery systems, empowering communities, and expanding prevention options, Nigeria is demonstrating leadership in the global fight against HIV — one injection, one person, and one community at a time.